Houthi Drone Strike Escalates Yemen Conflict Amid Tensions Over Strait of Hormuz
The conflict in Yemen escalated as the Houthi group claimed responsibility for a drone strike on an oil facility in Saudi Arabia's Jazan province, which is home to an Aramco refinery. The attack, which occurred on August 9, was reportedly in response to Saudi drones breaching Yemen's airspace over Hajjah and Saada provinces.
The strike is the latest in a series of missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and its shipping in the Red Sea. A separate incident saw the Houthis allegedly firing missiles and drones at Mocha port, one of the main ports under Yemen's internationally recognised government.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that his country is continuing to negotiate with the US through intermediaries, but stated that these negotiations cannot resume until the US has remedied its past violations of a memorandum of understanding.
Araghchi also mentioned that Iran and Oman are close to finalising an agreement on new maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz. However, he clarified that this does not mean the strait will reopen immediately, as other conditions must be met first.